In a devices-filled event held today (Wednesday), Amazon announced a brand new version of its most powerful streaming device – the Fire TV Cube – which will be coming to the UK in October.
The Cube combines a Fire TV device with a mini-Echo, thanks to the Cube’s microphones and speakers. So you get both a streaming device and an Alexa voice assistant in one.
The new Fire TV Cube – the 3rd generation in this line – is 20% more powerful than the previous generation, and offers a range of new features, including an HDMI input port, Wi-Fi 6E support, and Super Resolution Upscaling.
And while every Firestick device can be controlled with your voice, the sticks require the Voice Remote for voice commands. The Cube, however, can be controlled totally hands-free, simply by speaking its name.
Furthermore, you can use it to control your TV and other devices in the room, thanks to its Infrared sensor and its Alexa compatibility.
The previous – 2nd generation – Fire TV Cube has earned our Editor’s Choice award in the past, for being the the most powerful streaming device in Amazon’s Fire TV line – so the 3rd generation has big shoes to fill.
Of course, the Fire TV Cube’s main catch is its price – at £139.99 (Pre-order on Amazon), it costs a lot more than any other Fire TV device – but you’re also getting an Alexa-Echo device built-in.
“The all-new Fire TV Cube is a big step forward for Fire TV – in fact, it’s the fastest, most powerful, and most versatile streaming media player we’ve ever made”, said Eric Saarnio, Vice President of Amazon Devices International.
“This Fire TV Cube’s powerful processing and Wi-Fi 6E support deliver an incredibly smooth streaming experience, and HDMI input means you can instantly extend the simplicity of Fire TV and hands-free Alexa control to your home entertainment system.”
Fire TV Cube 2022: What’s New?
The 3rd generation Fire TV Cube has a new octa-core 2.0 GHz processor, which – according to Amazon – makes it 20% more powerful than the previous generation (which was already mighty fast).
Thanks to the new processor, app launch speeds will get even faster, and as before the Cube supports 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos audio.
New to 3rd generation Fire TV Cube is Super Resolution Upscaling, which provides enhanced picture quality by converting HD content into 4K for greater detail, contrast, and clarity.
Many high-end devices offer this feature, and it’ll be interesting to see how the Fire TV tackles it.
The new Cube also adds Wi-Fi 6E support, giving customers with a compatible router (not something you will commonly find from the UK’s ISPs, unfortunately – but you can buy 3rd party Wi-Fi 6E routers) the ability to enjoy a smooth entertainment experience with less interference from other Wi-Fi devices in the home.
There’s also a direct Ethernet port for a wired network connection.
And, in another first for the Cube, it is now the first Fire TV player that includes an HDMI input port, giving customers the flexibility to bring their entertainment devices together by directly connecting supported set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, and more devices – and then control them hands-free (up to a point).
The Fire TV Cube also features an additional USB port for easy connection to compatible webcams for video calling with Alexa Communications (or with Zoom, which is also supported on the Cube) – connect with family or friends from the largest screen in the home by simply saying, “Alexa, call mum” for example.
And lastly, the new Fire TV Cube sports a new design – a black fabric wrap (similar to the one found on Echo devices), instead of the glossy walls of the previous Cube.
The new Fire TV Cube is now available for pre-order, for £139.99.
The expected release date in the UK is October 27, 2022.